England recently visited the Brazilian soil with just under 12 months left for the FIFA World Cup 2014. They were in Rio de Janeiro as part of a friendly match with the Brazilian team. Even though there were several concerns that the game would be called off, it is now learnt that the match will progress as scheduled. England have failed to win a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup victory, which was achieved in a home tournament. They have failed to win any tournament away from home, but it could change with the 2014 World Cup according to James Milner.
The Manchester City midfielder has said that the visit to Brazil ahead of the World Cup will certainly serve as a motivation to the team to lift the famous trophy. England manager a credible 2-2 draw with Brazil in the iconic Maracana stadium, which has been renovated for the purpose of the World Cup. England are currently fighting against Montenegro to finish top of the World Cup qualifying group. It is extremely imperative that England finished top of the group because it would enable them to go straight into the World Cup without having to play any play-off matches.
“Experiencing Rio has helped us massively. We are all desperate to finish the job and qualify for the World Cup. You don’t get too many chances to play in World Cups, but playing a World Cup in Brazil… just being here for the last few days, I have seen the love they have for the game. They play head tennis and beach football every single day. You can sense the love and the atmosphere in the ground, it’s going to be some tournament next year,” said Milner.
England will see Montenegro move five points clear of them if they win against Ukraine.